Restore full autonomy of NSAs, Lopez urges

National sports associations (NSAs) must regain full autonomy from the Philippine Olympic Committee to make them more effective and athlete-centered, according to former boxing chief Manny Lopez.

Lopez, the POC first vice president, said that unless NSAs free themselves from the influence of the all-powerful POC, the country’s performance in international competitions will continue to suffer.

“It’s the NSAs that are responsible for their activities, including the performance of their athletes,” said Lopez. “They are also accountable for the [competition] results as well as the returns on the PSC [Philippine Sports Commission] financial assistance given to them.”

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Lopez is vying to retain his post in the POC elections on Nov. 30 at Alabang Country Club and allies himself with a group of sports officials seeking change in the Olympic body.